Photo: Lewis Burton/Instagram
Caroline Flack’s boyfriend is mourning the death of the formerLove Islandhost, who died at age 40 on Saturday.
Hours after thenewsof her death was made public, Lewis Burton penned an emotional tribute in honor of Flack. “My heart is brokenwe had something so special,” the former professional tennis player and model, 27, wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair embracing on the beach at sunset.
Burton also shared a screenshot of a post she had shared on Instagram over two months before her death. “In a world where you can be anything, be kind,” the post read.
“I will love you forever,” he wrote alongside the message.
Lewis Burton/Instagram
Flack, whostepped downfrom hosting duties for the popular U.K. series after she wascharged with assaultin December 2019 following a reported incident involving Burton, was found dead at her apartment on Saturday, according toThe Sunand theDaily Mail.
Flack’s lawyer, Paul Morris, also gave a statement to PEOPLE, saying, “I am utterly devastated at Caroline’s passing and cannot comment further about matters, including the criminal proceedings, at the moment. My thoughts are with Caroline’s family as we respect their privacy at this very sad and difficult time.“
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
In a court appearance that month at London’s Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, Flackpled not guiltyto the charge of assaulting Burton, CNN reported via the PA news agency.
Flack was released on bail with conditions thatprevented her from having contact with Burtonahead of the March 4 trial, according to the BBC.
Flack went on to address the court appearance on her Instagram Story, writing, “Thankfully I know a lot of you will not believe all that you have heard and read following today’s court hearing…Thank you for your continued support and love.“
Burton also spoke out on his Instagram Story, denying that Flack had hit him and adding that he was “gutted I am not allowed to protect her right now.”
“In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported. The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events,” the statement read, according toThe Sun.
“The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with Caroline’s family at this time.“
A CPS spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement, “Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Caroline Flack. Given the tragic circumstances, we will not comment on the specifics of this case at this stage.”
A rep for Flack did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
